The horse collapsed in front of crowds of people enjoying the warm weather on Westgate Street on April 20.

Police went to help the animal and some members of the public took her water from nearby pubs.

Police attended the scene

A video shared on Twitter showed the horse lying on the ground as two women attempted to bring it to its feet.

The horse was checked by a vet and it was believed she was pregnant.

RSPCA Cymru attended the scene, while police enlisted the support of a Pontardawe-based animal sanctuary to move the animal and provide boarding while investigations continued.

People helped the horse back to it's feet

They said the horse was later signed into the care of the RSPCA by the owners - but, before the RSPCA could collect the horse, police received a report that it had been stolen from the Whispering Willows sanctuary on Friday May 3.

A spokesman for the animal charity said police are looking into the theft, but the RSPCA is also concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of the missing horse.

RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: "The RSPCA is very worried about the disappearance of this horse.

"The animal has been the subject of RSPCA enquiries after it collapsed in Cardiff City centre due to suspected heatstroke.

"A Pontardawe-based sanctuary had been providing shelter for the horse, following discussions with the police.

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"The animal had been signed into the RSPCA's care while at the sanctuary, and we are eager to get both reassurances about the equine’s welfare, and for the horse to come into our care following our recent enquiries."

A 21-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Both have since been released pending an ongoing investigation by the RSPCA.

Sandra Kvaerneng Stolp from Swansea-based Whispering Willows Sanctuary said in a Facebook video at the time that she was called to collect the animal. On Saturday evening, she said she was making her way back to the sanctuary with the horse in the back of her horse box.

A South Wales Police spokesperson added: "South Wales Police is investigating the theft of a horse, which occurred sometime between 7.45pm on May 3, and 10am on May 4."

Anyone with any information can contact 101 quoting occurrence 1900159383 or the RSPCA's inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018